10 Employee Perks That Make a Real Difference

Question: Workplace flexibility is a hot topic, but specifically, which perk (flex time, unlimited vacation) has actually made a measurable impact on your business? Why do you think that is?

Telecommuting

"We give all of our employees the option to work from home or come into the office, and it has totally changed the talent pool for new hires. We're in the education space and sell test prep and admissions counseling products to teens and their parents. By allowing employees to work from home, we've actually been able to hire a lot of moms and dads, who offer the best perspective on our products."
- Jessica Brondo, Admitted.ly

Flexible Hours

"In addition to telecommuting, we have very flexible hours for most positions since our systems and deadlines are known pretty far in advance. This allows us to recruit the best support internationally, and 75 percent of our hires in 2012 were overseas. As we grow a larger base of international clients, having team members in many time zones is a great asset."
- Kelly Azevedo, She's Got Systems

Cafe Days

"We started letting everyone in the company spend one day per month working out of the office, at a coffee shop/cafe. Everyone has projects they want to spend time brainstorming, or just completely focus on away from the office. A change of scenery can stimulate creativity, and our employees love the flexibility. It's a small thing, but it's a no-brainer for both the employees and the company."
- Mitch Gordon, Go Overseas

A Lax Dress Code

"On the surface, it doesn't seem like what you wear can have a profound impact on performance. However, after moving from business attire to the acceptance of jeans every day, the company culture has elevated and employees seem to be happier. Their happiness ultimately leads to better performance. In the long run, comfort is key. "
-Logan Lenz, Endagon

Unlimited Vacation Time

"The perk that has had the most impact on my business is unlimited vacation time. My staff was truly taken aback when I first suggested it, but since its implementation, I've found my employees to produce at a much higher level than ever before. They get the absolute most out of each and every workday so they can take advantage of their added vacation time with a clear conscience."
- Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance

Pay

"The biggest thing I’ve done is pay for results. I could care less how long someone is working each week; I expect my employees to be responsible, put out a great work product and meet their goals. We have weekly meetings in which everyone lays out their goals; it’s the personal responsibility of each employee to hit his goals. After that, they have as much flexibility as they’d like. "
- Brian Moran, Get 10,000 Fans

Video Games in the Office

"Having video games in the office helps create camaraderie and gives people a well-deserved break. It also creates structure for work breaks. For example, a game may take 20 minutes. A couple people will play a game and then get back to work 20 minutes later. It also helps the overall culture of the company. How bad could a place possibly be if you can play Mortal Kombat?! "
- Adam Stillman, Ditto Holdings

Paying a Bonus With Time Off

"One of the best rewards within a bonus structure that I have seen is the ability to take time off. Killed it in sales this month? Cool, add a day off next month. "
- Ziver Birg, ZIVELO

Bikes

"When we hire non-local talent, we encourage them to live close to the office by offering them a bike, rather than a parking spot. This has created a fascinating level of flexibility and comfort for the employees, who can go home for lunch, or whose kids can swing by the office after school. It really helps integrate the company into their lifestyle, instead of the other way around."
-Wade Eyerly, Surf Air

An Open Work Schedule

"Our team members work wherever they want to; this enables them to travel or get things done for their families. On top of that, they can work whatever hours of the day they want as long as they’re getting everything done. This has been extremely helpful in keeping employees happier and enjoying their jobs more. "
-Benji Rabhan, MorrisCore

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